Bach specialist and former St. Anne’s organist Larry Molinaro takes a fresh and exciting new look at JS Bach’s “Well Tempered Clavier” (WTC) in two Sunday concerts on March 20 and 27 at 3 p.m. at St. Anne’s Church in Annapolis. Each concert will include a talk about the music by Mr. Molinaro, whose extensive knowledge of the works of Bach, his own personal observations and musical skill will put Bach’s genius in a whole new light. Also on display in these two concerts will be Mr. Molinaro’s artistry and the jewel that is St. Anne’s Freiburger organ. Mr. Molinaro’s concerts are part of the St. Anne’s Concert Series, which is co-presented by Live Arts Maryland and St. Anne’s Church.

The first program, on March 20, called “All the Tones and Semitones” delves into how Bach organized the WTC as an instruction book for composition and practice. The following week, on March 27, Mr. Molinaro presents “Circles and Labyrinths: A Tradition,” which explores how the WTC influenced later composers. In addition to performing the music of Bach, Mr. Molinaro will also play works by Beethoven, Chopin, Shostakovich and Hindemith, who created “parodies” of the WTC or paid homage to the collection in their own works.

Mr. Molinaro is a frequent guest artist with Live Arts Maryland and the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra and is a fixture on the harpsichord for the Annapolis Chorale’s annual performances of “Messiah.” He earned an Artist’s Diploma from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and continued his studies at Yale University’s School of Music. A very accomplished organist, Mr. Molinaro has devoted a substantial part of his career to the study and performance of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. His presentations of the music of Bach have won praise from critics and audiences alike as being innovative, thoughtful and informative. His interpretation of Bach’s organ repertoire has been described as “a model of its kind” (Washington Post), “powerful” and “compelling” (Baltimore Sun).

Tickets for Bach Afternoons concerts are $15/adults (plus a $3/per ticket service fee). All students with valid IDs or who are under 18 are admitted free. Advance tickets are on sale at the Maryland Hall Box office noon to 5 p.m. weekdays, by calling 410-280-5640 or visiting www.marylandhall.org. They will also be sold at the door.

The St. Anne’s Concert Series is co-presented by Live Arts Maryland, J. Ernest Green, Music Director and St. Anne’s Church, the Rev. Dr. Amy E. Richter, Rector. Live Arts Maryland is one of the region’s largest and most active non-profit arts organizations dedicated to enhancing community life by performing and presenting high-quality music and providing music education for all ages. It is also home to the Annapolis Chorale, Annapolis Chamber Orchestra and the Annapolis Youth Chorus. Live Arts Maryland offers such music education programs as the MusicWorks school partnership and a scholarship program for high-school music students. The Annapolis Chorale is a resident company of Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts and is supported by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis.

John is the publisher and editor of Eye On Annapolis. As a resident and business owner in Anne Arundel County for more than 15 years, he realized that there was something missing in terms of community news--and Eye On Annapolis was born in late spring 2009.
John's background is in the travel industry as a business owner, industry speaker, and travel writer. In terms of blogging and social media, he cut his teeth with MSNBC.com.